The'''CarbineRifle''',initsdifferentvariants;the '''M4''', '''M16''','''AR-15''', '''Colt 733''' and the '''HK416''',isariflethathasbeenfeaturedinevery [[GTA games|GTA game]]since[[GrandTheft Auto III]], except [[GrandTheftAutoAdvance]]. It is useful in almost any situation, boasting accuracy, power and magazine capacity. Throughout the games, the models differ slightly, along with zoom capability, rate of fire, and power.

The [[Vom Feuer]] '''Carbine Rifle''' or '''M4''' is an [[Assault Rifle]] that has been featured in every [[GTA games|GTA game]] since [[Grand Theft Auto III]], except [[Grand Theft Auto Advance]]. It is useful in almost any situation, boasting accuracy, power and magazine capacity.

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===3DUniverse===

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Throughout the games, the models differ slightly, along with zoom capability, rate of fire, and stopping power.

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GTA III's rendition resembles the Armalite AR-10. This version differs from any other variant for how powerful it is: Featuring an exceptionally high rate of fire and an unrealistic 60 round magazine, it is always a one shot kill against any enemy in any part of the body and can easily destroy most vehicles with a few bursts, making it arguably the most powerful firearm in the game. One might even compare it to the [[minigun]] or the [[M-60]] in later games. Yet, despite its power, the Carbine Rifle in GTA III suffers from a huge and hardly controllable recoil, therefore not replacing the [[Sniper Rifle]] at long range combat. Like the [[AK-47]], a headshot with the carbine rifle will behead the target and releases a massive amount of splattering blood on the ground, thus making the paramedics cannot rescue the target.

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Vice City's rifle is modeled after the Colt 733, but called 'M4' in-game (Which is historically inaccurate, as the M4 was not introduced until 1994). Originally, the beta featured an assault rifle that resembled an M16A2, but it was later replaced by the current model. It also appears to have an aftermarket crane stock. The beta rifle's model can still be found in the game files and can be seen in the [[Introduction (GTA VC)|intro cutscene]]. It's a much less powerful rifle than it's GTA III predecessor, and despite still being a one-shot kill at most occasions, it now features a slower rate of fire and a realistic 30-round magazine. The recoil is also much lower this time around, making it useful for more precise shots.

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==Design==

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===[[3D Universe]]===

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GTA III's rendition has considerably lower quality than its successors, apparently resembling the [[wp:AR-10|Armalite AR-10]], judging by the handguard and the overall shape. The fact that the AR-10 fires 7.62x51mm ammunition as opposed to the less powerful 5.56x45mm ammo of M4/M16 rifles possibly explains why this weapon was far more powerful per shot than the M4-type rifles of later games, and the 7.62x39mm AK47. This is a rather odd choice, since the AR-10 is a considerably old rifle who was mostly in service in [[Europe]]an countries (Such as [[Germany]], [[Portugal]] and [[Italy]]) during the [[1950|50s]] and the [[1960|60s]], and is therefore considerably hard to find in [[United States|America]]. The weapon has a 60 round magazine, even though the one modeled in-game looks like a regular 30-round AR magazine.

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SanAndreasreuses the modelfromViceCity,again called 'M4' in-game (Andagaininaccuratesince the gameissetin1992). Thisversionhasalowrateoffire that isunusualfor the rifle, but it isstillhighlyeffectiveasaweapon. It hasa50-roundSTANAGmagazine.Inthemission[[Stowaway]],agovernmentagentisshownholdingacamouflagedColtM16A1.Thishowever,isneveravailabletousein-game.

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ViceCity'srifle is modeled after a Colt Model 733 but with the frontsightfacingbackwards.It is called 'M4' in-game (Whichisanachronistic,as the M4wasnotintroduceduntil [[1994]]). Originally,thebetafeaturedanassaultrifle that resembledan[[wp:M16 rifle#M16A2|M16A2]], but it waslaterreplacedbythecurrentmodel. It alsoappearstohaveanaftermarketcranestock.Thebetarifle'smodelcanstillbefoundinthegamefilesandcanbeseeninthe [[Introduction(GTA VC)|intro cutscene]].

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InLibertyCityStories, it is trulymodeledafter the M4A1andnamedM4correctly. Theriflemostlyremains the samesince San Andreas,onlyhavinganincreasedrateoffireandslightlymorepowerthistimearound.

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GTASanAndreasreuses the model from Vice City, again called 'M4' in-game (And again inaccurate since the game is setin[[1992]]). In the mission [[Stowaway]],agovernmentagentis shown holding a camouflaged variant of a [[wp:CAR-15#Colt Model 653 M16A1 Carbine|Colt M16A1]]. This,however,isnever available to use in-game. This was probably a beta model. In GTA Liberty City Stories, it once again uses the ViceCity and San Andreas model.Withthegamebeingsetin[[1998]],thenameM4isnowused correctly.

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Vice City Stories features a rifle resembling a M16A1, named 'Assault Rifle' in-game. It uses thesame model from the previously mentioned San Andreas mission Stowaway, sans the camouflage. [[Lance Vance]] mentions an M4 during a mission, which is an anachronism. It functions just as the Liberty City Stories version.

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Vice City Stories features a rifle resembling the M16A1, named 'Assault Rifle' in-game. It uses asimilar model from the previously mentioned San Andreas mission Stowaway, sans the camouflage. [[Lance Vance]] again refers to it as an "M4" during a [[Blitzkrieg Strikes Again|mission]], which is an anachronism.

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===HD Universe===

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===[[HD Universe]]===

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GTA IV features a rifle based on the [[wp:M4 carbine|Colt M4A1]], titled 'Carbine Rifle' in-game. This version is accurate both in timeline and overall features, including accurate weapon specs such as rate of fire, magazine size and appearance. Interestingly, the carry handle has been replaced with an aftermarket drum sight. It also has "Property Of Liberty City Arms" stamped where the magazine release is normally found, probably a reference to the "Property Of U.S. Govt" stamped on its real-life counterpart.

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GTA IV features a rifle based on the Colt M4A1, titled 'CarbineRifle' in-game.Thisversion is accurate both in timeline andoverallfeatures, includingaccurateweaponspecs such as rate of fire, magazine size and appearance. Interestingly, the carry handle has been replaced with a pica-tinny rail alongside an aftermarket drum sight mounted to it. It has the longest range of any non-sniper weapon in the game. It has "Property Of Liberty City Arms" stamped where the magazine release is normally found, probably a reference to the "Property Of U.S. Govt"stampedonitsreal-lifecounterpart. Performance wise, the Carbine Rifle is stellar. Accuracy and fire rate are both high, along with damage. It is highly effective in closeto mid range, with accuracy dropping off at long range. Accuracy is even higher when crouched, allowing the player to fire it on fully automatic while being able to reliably hit targets.

GTA Chinatown's rendition is difficult to identify, but it is has a full stock and long barrel, and the triangular hand guard as seen on the [[HUD]] suggests it is based on the Colt M16A1. It has, much like in San Andreas, a 50-round magazine.

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GTA V's rendition of the Carbine Rifle is based on a mishmash of different AR-15s, featuring almost identical parts (with regards to the lower receiver, especially the magazine well, and also the gas block) that was possibly influenced by the [[wp:Remington GPC|Remington R5 RGP]] and [[wp:Heckler & Koch HK416|Heckler &amp; Koch HK416]] . The pistol grip seems to be a combination between both Ergo and Hogue grips. The trigger housing is similar to the Magpul Enhanced Trigger Guard. The upper receiver seems to be influenced by the VLTOR MUR-1 upper receiver, with a raised Picatinny rail, similar to the HK416. It also has dual mounted iron sights on the main Picatinny rail. There are also some influences from a [http://www.defensereview.com/daniel-defense-ddm4-v7-mid-length-tactical-ar-carbine-with-mfr-12-0-modular-float-rail-12-0-lightweight-modular-tactical-handguardrail-system-at-sofic-2011-video/ Daniel Defense DDM4V7], notably the handguard, which is the Daniel Defense Modular Floating Rail (MFR) 9.0, and complete with an aftermarket buttstock. In the Xbox One, PS4 and PC versions of the game, the Carbine Rifle's textures are much more detailed, having stampings and pins on the receiver that aren't visible on the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions. It is manufactured by the Austrian company [[Vom Feuer]], as seen inscribed in the updated model (which may be again an allusion to HK416 - being an American design produced by a company from a German-speaking country).

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==Performance==

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===3D Universe===

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The GTA III version of the rifle differs from any other variant for how powerful it is: Featuring an exceptionally high rate of fire and an unrealistic 60 round magazine, it is always a one shot kill against any enemy in any part of the body and can easily destroy most vehicles with a few bursts, making it arguably the most powerful firearm in the game. One might even compare it to the [[Minigun]] or the [[M-60]] seen in later games. Similar to the [[Sniper Rifle]] and the [[Rocket Launcher]], the rifle can be aimed in first person, resulting in a stationary view with the crosshair on the center of the screen. Despite (or perhaps due to its power), the Carbine Rifle in GTA III suffers from wild and nearly uncontrollable recoil- even when being aimed in first person.

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The M4A1 in GTA Vice City is a much less powerful rifle than its GTA III predecessor, and despite still being a one-shot kill in nearly all occasions, it now features a slower rate of fire and a 30-round magazine. On the other hand, the recoil is also much lower this time around, making it useful for more precise shots. Like in GTA III, it can also be aimed in first person.

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The GTA San Andreas version has an even lower rate of fire than unusual for an assault rifle, and it also has considerably less power, now only being a one-shot kill weapon if aimed at the head. Even though, it is still highly effective, featuring a 50-round STANAG magazine and a smaller crosshair than that of the [[AK-47]], making it useful for more precise and accurate shots. It doesn't feature a first person aiming mode like its predecessors did, and neither do any of the following games have it.

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The rifle in GTA Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories is closer to its Vice City version, having a similar rate of fire and being a one-shot kill against most enemies. It also features a 30-round magazine in both games.

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===HD Universe===

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In Grand Theft Auto IV, the performance of the Carbine Rifle is stellar. Accuracy and fire rate are both high, along with damage. It is highly effective in close to mid range, with accuracy dropping off at long range. Accuracy is even higher when crouched, allowing the player to fire it on fully automatic while being able to reliably hit targets. It has the longest range of any non-sniper weapon in the game. It's not as powerful as the AK-47, but its precision and fire rate still make it nonetheless one of the best rifles in the game.

The Chinatown Wars version is incrediblypowerful, beingalmostcomparabletotheonepresentinGTAIII, withafewburstsbeingenoughtoeasilykillanenemyanddestroyavehicle.Itsfirerateisalsoexceptionallyfast,beingable to quickly emptyits50-round magazine.

In [[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City]] it is used for the first time in [[Rub Out]], where Lance gives Tommy an M4 to kill [[Ricardo Diaz|Diaz]]. After the mission it can be bought at the [[Downtown]] [[Ammu-Nation]]. Then during [[Cop Land]], a police officer and two soldiers are seen using the rifles. They can also be seen at [[Fort Baxter Air Base]] being wielded by soldiers.

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In [[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City]], it is used for the first time in [[Rub Out]], where Lance gives Tommy an M4 to kill [[Ricardo Diaz|Diaz]]. After the mission it can be bought at the [[Downtown]] [[Ammu-Nation]]. Then during [[Cop Land]], a police officer and two soldiers are seen using the rifles. They can also be seen at [[Fort Baxter Air Base]] being wielded by soldiers.

In [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]], the M4 is used by the army at a six star wanted level, during [[Black Project]], [[Up, Up and Away!]] and [[Vertical Bird]], and by some gangsters during [[End of the Line]].

In [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]], the M4 is used by the army at a six star wanted level, during [[Black Project]], [[Up, Up and Away!]] and [[Vertical Bird]], and by some gangsters during [[End of the Line]].

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It is a very rare weapon during the course of [[Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories]], being used only by [[Forelli Family]] hitmen in [[Love on the Rocks]] and by [[Massimo Torini|Massimo]]'s guards in [[The Sicilian Gambit]].

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It is a very rare weapon during the course of [[Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories]], being used only by [[Forelli Family]] hitmen in [[Love on the Rocks]],Kazuki's guards in [[Cash in Kazuki's Chips]] , and by [[Massimo Torini|Massimo]]'s guards in [[The Sicilian Gambit]].

In [[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories]], it is used in various missions (most notably when Lance uses it in [[Blitzkrieg Strikes Again]]), and can be bought at [[Ammu-Nation]] upon unlocking [[Ocean Beach]] following [[From Zero to Hero]]. Soldiers at [[Fort Baxter Air Base]] can once again be seen wielding the rifle.

In [[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories]], it is used in various missions (most notably when Lance uses it in [[Blitzkrieg Strikes Again]]), and can be bought at [[Ammu-Nation]] upon unlocking [[Ocean Beach]] following [[From Zero to Hero]]. Soldiers at [[Fort Baxter Air Base]] can once again be seen wielding the rifle.

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In [[Grand Theft Auto IV|GTA IV]], the Carbine Rifle is given during [[Three Leaf Clover]] and is available to purchase afterwards. Niko uses it during the [[Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony|Ballad of Gay Tony]] mission, [[Ladies Half Price]], provided if players choose to go back to the ambush and kill him and [[Patrick McReary|Packie]]. [[NOOSE]] Officers will attack the player if they have a wanted level of three stars or higher.

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In [[Grand Theft Auto V|GTA V]], the Carbine is used at the [[Prologue|very beginning]] of the game by [[Michael De Santa|Michael]] and [[Trevor Philips|Trevor]]. It also makes an appearance during the [[The Jewel Store Job|first heist mission]] (if the "loud" method is chosen) and becomes available for purchase afterwards. During [[Trevor Philips Industries|the Aztecas' attack on Trevor's meth lab]], Trevor and [[Chef]] use the Carbine to hold off their attackers. In the events of [[The Wrap Up]], [[FIB]] agents will also be seen using the Carbine during the intro cutscene and during gameplay. [[Merryweather]] mercs will also use the Carbine against the player during their mission appearances. As with GTA IV, NOOSE officers will use the Carbine against the player at a [[Wanted Level in GTA V|wanted level]] of three stars or higher.

*[[Downtown Vice City|Downtown]] - Available to buy from [[Ammu-Nation]] after completion of [[Rub Out]] ($5,000).

*[[Downtown Vice City|Downtown]] - Available to buy from [[Ammu-Nation]] after completion of [[Rub Out]] ($5,000).

*[[Little Haiti]] - In the middle of a cluster of shacks in the center of the North [[Haitian]] Neighborhood (just south of [[Auntie Poulet|Auntie Poulet's]] house behind the house with the [[Voodoo]] in front).

*[[Little Haiti]] - In the middle of a cluster of shacks in the center of the North [[Haitian]] Neighborhood (just south of [[Auntie Poulet|Auntie Poulet's]] house behind the house with the [[Voodoo]] in front).

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*[[Little Havana]] - At the west side of the red and white building directly across the street west of [[Cafe Robina]] (where Tommy took [[Phil Cassidy|Phil]] to during [[Boomshine Saigon]]).

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*[[Little Havana]] - At the west side of the red and white building directly across the street west of [[Cafe Robina]] (where [[Tommy Vercetti|Tommy]] took [[Phil Cassidy|Phil]] to during [[Boomshine Saigon]]).

*[[Fort Baxter]] - Wasting some of the [[Military|Soldiers]] will give a decent amount of M4 ammo.

*[[Fort Baxter]] - Wasting some of the [[Military|Soldiers]] will give a decent amount of M4 ammo.

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===GTA San Andreas===

===GTA San Andreas===

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*[[Los Santos International Airport]], [[Los Santos]] - Next to the runway, there are three white and yellow striped "ramps". Between those which are placed at the end of the runway.

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*[[Los Santos International Airport (3D Universe)|Los Santos International Airport]], [[Los Santos (3D Universe)|Los Santos]] - Next to the runway, there are three white and yellow striped "ramps". Between those which are placed at the end of the runway is a Carbine Rifle.

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*[[Palisades]], [[San Fierro]] - Behind the northernmost house next to the beach.

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*[[Palisades]], [[San Fierro (3D Universe)|San Fierro]] - Behind the northernmost house next to the beach.

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*[[Area 69]], [[Bone County]] - Behind a staircase leading to a control tower.

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*[[Area 69]], [[Bone County]] - Behind a staircase leading to a control tower, southwest side.

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*[[Pilgrim]], [[Las Venturas]] - On the roof of the hotel.

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*[[Pilgrim]], [[Las Venturas (3D Universe)|Las Venturas]] - On the roof of the hotel.

*[[The Four Dragons Casino]], Las Venturas - In front of the casino if all 50 [[Horseshoes]] are collected.

*[[The Four Dragons Casino]], Las Venturas - In front of the casino if all 50 [[Horseshoes]] are collected.

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* Easily acquired from dead soldiers.

===GTA Liberty City Stories===

===GTA Liberty City Stories===

*[[Newport]], [[Staunton Island]] - Among the containers at the docks and east of an [[Unique Stunt Jumps|unique stunt jump]]. It's located between the containers that are placed towards the [[Big Shot Casino]].

*[[Newport]], [[Staunton Island]] - Among the containers at the docks and east of an [[Unique Stunt Jumps|unique stunt jump]]. It's located between the containers that are placed towards the [[Big Shot Casino]].

*[[Bedford Point]], Staunton Island - Available to purchase from [[Phil Cassidy's Fully Cocked Gun Shop]] for $5,400 once the player beats the mission "[[Friggin' the Riggin']]".

*[[Bedford Point]], Staunton Island - Available to purchase from [[Phil Cassidy's Fully Cocked Gun Shop]] for $5,400 once the player beats the mission "[[Friggin' the Riggin']]".

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*Available at each [[Safehouses in GTA Liberty City Stories|safehouses]] after collecting 90 hidden packages.

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*Available at each [[Safehouses in GTA Liberty City Stories|safehouses]] after collecting 60 hidden packages.

===GTA Vice City Stories===

===GTA Vice City Stories===

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'''[[Bohan]]'''

'''[[Bohan]]'''

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*[[Bohan Industrial]] - Can be found in one of the offices inside the abandoned warehouse where the player rescues [[Roman Bellic|Roman]] from the mission [[Hostile Negotiation]].

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*[[Industrial,Bohan|Industrial]] - Can be found in one of the offices inside the [[Abandoned Factory|abandoned warehouse]] where the player rescues [[Roman Bellic|Roman]] from the mission [[Hostile Negotiation]].

'''[[Algonquin]]'''

'''[[Algonquin]]'''

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*[[Algonquin Bridge]] - Can be found atop the roof of the Pedestrian Walkway on the [[Algonquin]] side, from the subway tunnel entrance.

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*[[Algonquin Bridge]] - Can be found atop the roof of the [[Pedestrians|Pedestrian]] Walkway on the [[Algonquin]] side, from the subway tunnel entrance.

*[[Easton]] - Can be found well-hidden behind some trash cans on the east side of [[Grand Easton Terminal]]. The trash cans can be reached quickly through an alley on [[Jade Street|Jade St]].

*[[Easton]] - Can be found well-hidden behind some trash cans on the east side of [[Grand Easton Terminal]]. The trash cans can be reached quickly through an alley on [[Jade Street|Jade St]].

'''[[Alderney]]'''

'''[[Alderney]]'''

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*[[Tudor]] - Can be found in a small loading dock area on the north side of the old [[Sprunk]] factory.

*[[Tudor]] - Can be found in a small loading dock area on the north side of the old [[Sprunk]] factory.

*Tudor - Can be found atop the northern superstructure of the old rail bridge that spans the river which divides [[Tudor]] and the [[Acter Industrial Park]].

*Tudor - Can be found atop the northern superstructure of the old rail bridge that spans the river which divides [[Tudor]] and the [[Acter Industrial Park]].

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===GTA Chinatown Wars===

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*Available in [[Ammu-Nation]] after the Fully-Crocked Upgrade is purchase.

*Acquired after entering and exiting a [[Park Ranger|Park Ranger]] SUV.

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* Can be acquired when killing NOOSE, Army or LSPD officers carrying the weapon.

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===GTA Online===

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*It can be bought at [[Ammu-Nation]] at [[Rank|level]] 42

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*May spawn during [[Merryweather]] [[Gang Attacks]] both as weapon pickups and being used by Merryweather.

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*Alternatively it can be obtained for free by going to the [[Fort Zancudo|Army Base]] and killing members of the military, or by visiting the [[Los Santos International Airport (HD Universe)|airport]] in [[South Los Santos]] from some [[LSPD (HD Universe)|police officers]] (To keep the rifle after leaving a lobby you are required to be level 42, as if you don't meet that requirement you will lose it once you leave).

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*Spawns at waves 4+ during a [[Survival]], and common among enemies at higher levels.

==Trivia==

==Trivia==

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*In the [[Playstation|Playstation 2]] version of [[Grand Theft Auto III|GTA III]], the M16 has a green aiming cursor, but in the [[PC]], [[Xbox]] and mobile versions of the game, the green cursor is replaced by a circle and a dot.

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===General===

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*Strangely,theM4in GTA IV has two reload animations. When Niko is standingwhilereloading, he will pull the charginghandle, but when crouching while reloading, he takes "out" the magazine, puts "another" inandpullsthe charging handle. There is noconfirmedreasonforwhytherearetworeload animations, but it is speculated that it isforbalancingreasons, astheplayerismuch more effective while crouched. This oddity is also present on the [[AK-47]].

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*Thename"CarbineRifle" is acontradictioninterms, as "carbine" and "rifle" representtwomutually-exclusivecategories. A carbine is afirearmwithabarrellengthshorterthanarifle'sormusket's, butlongerthanapistol's.

*There is an artwork of Michael holding an M4 CQBR with an M68 CCO red dot sight and sound supressor. However said weapon never appears in-game.

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*TheGTA V version of this weapon appears to be based around a DDM4 Upper receiver.

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===3DUniverse===

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*Ifaplayerwastoaddasilencer on the CarbineRifle in GTA V, one would notice it bears a resemblancetoanotherHecklerandKoch product, theMP5SDthusevenfurther deducing that the CarbineRifle is modelledaftertheHK416 and done by Heckler andKoch

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*Inthe [[PlayStation2]] versionof''GrandTheftAutoIII'', the AR10has a greenaimingcursor,butinthe [[PC]], [[Xbox]] andmobileversionsofthegame, the greencursor is replacedbyacircle and adot.

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*In ''San Andreas'' and ''Vice City'', the Colt 733 has the front sight facing backwards and the stock is modeled differently.

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=== HD Universe ===

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*Strangely, the M4 in ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' has two reload animations. When Niko is standing while reloading, he will pull the charging handle, but when crouching while reloading, he takes "out" the magazine, puts "another" in and pulls the charging handle. There is no confirmed reason for why there are two reload animations, but it is speculated that it is for balancing reasons, as the player is much more effective while crouched. This oddity is also present on the [[AK-47]] and the [[Assault Shotgun]].

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*In ''GTA IV'', the bottom of the Carbine Rifle's magazine is stamped with the words ''"Stop Chillin' Start Killin'"''.

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*There are a few [[Grand Theft Auto V/Artworks|artworks]] of Michael holding an [[wp:Close Quarters Battle Receiver|M4 CQBR]] with an [[wp:Aimpoint Comp M2|M68 CCO]] red dot sight and sound supressor. However, said weapon never appears in-game.

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*In ''GTA V'', when customized with a scope attachment, the iron sights are not removed or flipped down; this is highly impractical as the iron sights would obstruct the viewing field of the scope. This is most likely an oversight by Rockstar. In the updated GTA V for next gen systems, the sights are correctly flipped down, but only in first person view.

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*Adding the suppressor to the Carbine Rifle in ''GTA V'' seems to convert the barrel into an integral suppressor. Slightly reminiscent of the [[wp:AAC Honey Badger|AAC Honey Badger]] assault rifle, which is also an M4 variant that has an integral suppressor.

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*'Carbine Rifle' is a contradiction in the strictest sense, since "carbine" usually refers to a shortened version of a full-sized rifle or musket; "carbine rifle" would mean the weapon is both shortened and full-length.

Contents

GTA III's rendition has considerably lower quality than its successors, apparently resembling the Armalite AR-10, judging by the handguard and the overall shape. The fact that the AR-10 fires 7.62x51mm ammunition as opposed to the less powerful 5.56x45mm ammo of M4/M16 rifles possibly explains why this weapon was far more powerful per shot than the M4-type rifles of later games, and the 7.62x39mm AK47. This is a rather odd choice, since the AR-10 is a considerably old rifle who was mostly in service in European countries (Such as Germany, Portugal and Italy) during the 50s and the 60s, and is therefore considerably hard to find in America. The weapon has a 60 round magazine, even though the one modeled in-game looks like a regular 30-round AR magazine.

Vice City's rifle is modeled after a Colt Model 733 but with the front sight facing backwards. It is called 'M4' in-game (Which is anachronistic, as the M4 was not introduced until 1994). Originally, the beta featured an assault rifle that resembled an M16A2, but it was later replaced by the current model. It also appears to have an aftermarket crane stock. The beta rifle's model can still be found in the game files and can be seen in the intro cutscene.

GTA San Andreas reuses the model from Vice City, again called 'M4' in-game (And again inaccurate since the game is set in 1992). In the mission Stowaway, a government agent is shown holding a camouflaged variant of a Colt M16A1. This, however, is never available to use in-game. This was probably a beta model. In GTA Liberty City Stories, it once again uses the Vice City and San Andreas model. With the game being set in 1998, the name M4 is now used correctly.

Vice City Stories features a rifle resembling the M16A1, named 'Assault Rifle' in-game. It uses a similar model from the previously mentioned San Andreas mission Stowaway, sans the camouflage. Lance Vance again refers to it as an "M4" during a mission, which is an anachronism.

GTA IV features a rifle based on the Colt M4A1, titled 'Carbine Rifle' in-game. This version is accurate both in timeline and overall features, including accurate weapon specs such as rate of fire, magazine size and appearance. Interestingly, the carry handle has been replaced with an aftermarket drum sight. It also has "Property Of Liberty City Arms" stamped where the magazine release is normally found, probably a reference to the "Property Of U.S. Govt" stamped on its real-life counterpart.

"It's 'mission accomplished' every time with this versatile, hard hitting assault rifle. ...The choice of first line infantry operatives."

— Description in GTA CW

GTA Chinatown's rendition is difficult to identify, but it is has a full stock and long barrel, and the triangular hand guard as seen on the HUD suggests it is based on the Colt M16A1. It has, much like in San Andreas, a 50-round magazine.

GTA V's rendition of the Carbine Rifle is based on a mishmash of different AR-15s, featuring almost identical parts (with regards to the lower receiver, especially the magazine well, and also the gas block) that was possibly influenced by the Remington R5 RGP and Heckler & Koch HK416 . The pistol grip seems to be a combination between both Ergo and Hogue grips. The trigger housing is similar to the Magpul Enhanced Trigger Guard. The upper receiver seems to be influenced by the VLTOR MUR-1 upper receiver, with a raised Picatinny rail, similar to the HK416. It also has dual mounted iron sights on the main Picatinny rail. There are also some influences from a Daniel Defense DDM4V7, notably the handguard, which is the Daniel Defense Modular Floating Rail (MFR) 9.0, and complete with an aftermarket buttstock. In the Xbox One, PS4 and PC versions of the game, the Carbine Rifle's textures are much more detailed, having stampings and pins on the receiver that aren't visible on the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions. It is manufactured by the Austrian company Vom Feuer, as seen inscribed in the updated model (which may be again an allusion to HK416 - being an American design produced by a company from a German-speaking country).

The GTA III version of the rifle differs from any other variant for how powerful it is: Featuring an exceptionally high rate of fire and an unrealistic 60 round magazine, it is always a one shot kill against any enemy in any part of the body and can easily destroy most vehicles with a few bursts, making it arguably the most powerful firearm in the game. One might even compare it to the Minigun or the M-60 seen in later games. Similar to the Sniper Rifle and the Rocket Launcher, the rifle can be aimed in first person, resulting in a stationary view with the crosshair on the center of the screen. Despite (or perhaps due to its power), the Carbine Rifle in GTA III suffers from wild and nearly uncontrollable recoil- even when being aimed in first person.

The M4A1 in GTA Vice City is a much less powerful rifle than its GTA III predecessor, and despite still being a one-shot kill in nearly all occasions, it now features a slower rate of fire and a 30-round magazine. On the other hand, the recoil is also much lower this time around, making it useful for more precise shots. Like in GTA III, it can also be aimed in first person.

The GTA San Andreas version has an even lower rate of fire than unusual for an assault rifle, and it also has considerably less power, now only being a one-shot kill weapon if aimed at the head. Even though, it is still highly effective, featuring a 50-round STANAG magazine and a smaller crosshair than that of the AK-47, making it useful for more precise and accurate shots. It doesn't feature a first person aiming mode like its predecessors did, and neither do any of the following games have it.

The rifle in GTA Liberty City Stories and Vice City Stories is closer to its Vice City version, having a similar rate of fire and being a one-shot kill against most enemies. It also features a 30-round magazine in both games.

In Grand Theft Auto IV, the performance of the Carbine Rifle is stellar. Accuracy and fire rate are both high, along with damage. It is highly effective in close to mid range, with accuracy dropping off at long range. Accuracy is even higher when crouched, allowing the player to fire it on fully automatic while being able to reliably hit targets. It has the longest range of any non-sniper weapon in the game. It's not as powerful as the AK-47, but its precision and fire rate still make it nonetheless one of the best rifles in the game.

The Chinatown Wars version is incredibly powerful, being almost comparable to the one present in GTA III, with a few bursts being enough to easily kill an enemy and destroy a vehicle. Its fire rate is also exceptionally fast, being able to quickly empty its 50-round magazine.

In Grand Theft Auto V, the Carbine Rifle is superior all-round to SMGs, and is more accurate but less powerful than the Advanced Rifle. Still, it is a very accurate weapon that can be relied on for any situation.

In GTA V, the Carbine is used at the very beginning of the game by Michael and Trevor. It also makes an appearance during the first heist mission (if the "loud" method is chosen) and becomes available for purchase afterwards. During the Aztecas' attack on Trevor's meth lab, Trevor and Chef use the Carbine to hold off their attackers. In the events of The Wrap Up, FIB agents will also be seen using the Carbine during the intro cutscene and during gameplay. Merryweather mercs will also use the Carbine against the player during their mission appearances. As with GTA IV, NOOSE officers will use the Carbine against the player at a wanted level of three stars or higher.

Bedford Point, Staunton Island - In the walled off area in the southeast part of the Liberty Tree Offices, where the mission Kingdom Come takes place. (Use the nearby Moonbeam, park it by the lowest part of the wall, climb the Moonbeam, and jump over the wall to access).

It can be purchased from the back-alley gun shops for $5,000 and each additional magazine will cost $100. It can be purchased from Little Jacob for $3,500 with each additional magazine costing $70. The Carbine Rifle can also be acquired from NOOSE Tactical Response Unit Officers, FIB Agents and certain LCPD Officers, specifically those who guard places of high security such as The Statue of Happiness.

Alternatively it can be obtained for free by going to the Army Base and killing members of the military, or by visiting the airport in South Los Santos from some police officers (To keep the rifle after leaving a lobby you are required to be level 42, as if you don't meet that requirement you will lose it once you leave).

Spawns at waves 4+ during a Survival, and common among enemies at higher levels.

The name "Carbine Rifle" is a contradiction in terms, as "carbine" and "rifle" represent two mutually-exclusive categories. A carbine is a firearm with a barrel length shorter than a rifle's or musket's, but longer than a pistol's.

The GTA V version appears to be heavily based on the Heckler & Koch HK416 model D10RS.

Strangely, the M4 in Grand Theft Auto IV has two reload animations. When Niko is standing while reloading, he will pull the charging handle, but when crouching while reloading, he takes "out" the magazine, puts "another" in and pulls the charging handle. There is no confirmed reason for why there are two reload animations, but it is speculated that it is for balancing reasons, as the player is much more effective while crouched. This oddity is also present on the AK-47 and the Assault Shotgun.

In GTA IV, the bottom of the Carbine Rifle's magazine is stamped with the words "Stop Chillin' Start Killin'".

There are a few artworks of Michael holding an M4 CQBR with an M68 CCO red dot sight and sound supressor. However, said weapon never appears in-game.

In GTA V, when customized with a scope attachment, the iron sights are not removed or flipped down; this is highly impractical as the iron sights would obstruct the viewing field of the scope. This is most likely an oversight by Rockstar. In the updated GTA V for next gen systems, the sights are correctly flipped down, but only in first person view.

Adding the suppressor to the Carbine Rifle in GTA V seems to convert the barrel into an integral suppressor. Slightly reminiscent of the AAC Honey Badger assault rifle, which is also an M4 variant that has an integral suppressor.

'Carbine Rifle' is a contradiction in the strictest sense, since "carbine" usually refers to a shortened version of a full-sized rifle or musket; "carbine rifle" would mean the weapon is both shortened and full-length.